Petrol cars still most popular

25/05/2011

By Paul McGurk

Petrol cars are still more popular than diesel engines - despite the higher fuel economy of the latter, according to a new study.

There are signs that the car market is fragile, as consumers look to make savings everywhere from fuel efficiency to car insurance. ContractHireAndLeasing.com's survey revealed that 35% of drivers would opt for a petrol car, compared to 25% for diesel cars.

High diesel prices may be leading to buyers thinking twice about running a diesel car despite the strong fuel efficiency of these vehicles. This is helping to boost interest in hybrid models, though, with one in 10 saying they would consider these vehicles.

Alternate fuel cars such as the hybrids cornered just 1.1% of the new car market in the UK in 2010, while only 2% said they would go for electric cars.

More male drivers claimed to be interested in diesel cars, though, with 29% of them saying so compared to 22% of women saying they would choose a diesel. Four per cent said they didn't care about fuel type, while one 25% said they had no plans to change their car.